DOT deputy secretary steps down

John Porcari, who has served as the deputy secretary of transportation for four and a half years, is stepping down at the end of the year, and Victor Mendez will take over as acting secretary.
Porcari will join Parsons Brinckerhoff, the professional services division of Balfour Beatty, as senior vice president and national director of strategic consulting. Since 2009, Mendez, who has more than 20 years of industry experience, has served as the Federal Highways Administrator.
DOT Secretary Anthony Foxx announced the news in an email to agency employees. In the letter, he praised Porcari’s work at the department, making note of his effort to streamline DOT’s project approval process and eliminate unnecessary government red tape. Foxx also mentioned that Porcari grew and promoted the Buy America project during his time at the agency.
“Through these programs and so many others, John is leaving the department and the nation’s transportation system stronger than when he started,” Foxx wrote. “Both Secretary LaHood and I have benefited from having him by our sides at every step of the way.”
In a separate email, Porcari thanked DOT employees and mentioned that their perseverance has meant that “the legislative dysfunction that has interrupted our progress multiple times has not deterred you from delivering day after day for the American people."
Porcari's note touched on what the department and its employees have meant to him.
“This is a bittersweet moment: It has been one of the great honors of my life to serve by your side on behalf of the American people,” Porcari wrote.
Foxx thanked Porcari for his time in office and welcomed Mendez to his new position, but wrote Porcari’s departure leaves a big job to fill.
“I know that I speak for the entire DOT family,” Foxx wrote, “when I say that his vision, leadership, and expertise have been driving forces in our Administration’s achievements over these past four and a half years.”